Marvin's Chocolate Turtle Delight Cheesecake
In memory of a beloved family friend, this Chocolate Turtle Delight Cheesecake combines the rich flavors of creamy cheesecake with caramel, toasted pecans, and velvety chocolate. Named after Marvin, who delighted my daughters with his annual gifts of chocolate turtles, this cheesecake serves as both a delicious dessert and a heartfelt tribute. With a buttery vanilla wafer crust and a luscious topping of gooey caramel and crunchy pecans, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions, bringing sweetness and nostalgia to every bite.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
vanilla wafer crumbs
2 cups (crushed)
margarine
6 tablespoons (melted)
caramels
14 ounces (unwrapped)
evaporated milk
5 ounces (canned)
pecans
1 cup (chopped and toasted)
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted margarine. Press this mixture evenly onto the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
3
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove it and set aside to cool.
4
In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels together with the evaporated milk, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth. Pour this caramel mixture over the cooled crust.
5
Sprinkle the chopped and toasted pecans evenly over the caramel layer.
6
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
7
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a creamy texture.
8
Gently blend in the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips until fully incorporated. Pour this cheesecake batter over the pecan layer, spreading evenly.
9
Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
10
Once baked, carefully loosen the cheesecake from the rim of the pan to allow it to cool properly. Let it cool completely before removing the springform rim.
11
Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set fully and for the flavors to meld.
12
Serve chilled and enjoy a slice of sweet nostalgia!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marvin's Chocolate Turtle Delight Cheesecake?
It is a rich, creamy cheesecake featuring a buttery vanilla wafer crust topped with caramel, toasted pecans, and velvety chocolate.
Who is this cheesecake named after?
The recipe is named after Marvin, a beloved family friend who gifted chocolate turtles to the creator's daughters every year.
What kind of crust is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses a crust made from crushed vanilla wafer crumbs and melted margarine.
How many servings does this cheesecake provide?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is required for this cheesecake?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the caramel layer?
Melt 14 ounces of caramels with 5 ounces of evaporated milk in a heavy saucepan over low heat until smooth.
What type of nuts are used in the turtle topping?
The recipe calls for one cup of chopped and toasted pecans.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How many eggs are used in the cheesecake batter?
Two large eggs, beaten, are added to the cheesecake mixture one at a time.
What kind of chocolate is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips.
How long should the crust bake initially?
The vanilla wafer crust should bake for 10 minutes before adding the toppings and batter.
How long does the entire cheesecake bake?
The cheesecake should bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
How long should the cheesecake refrigerate before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to set fully.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Yes, the recipe specifies using chopped and toasted pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
Can I use butter instead of margarine for the crust?
The recipe lists margarine, but butter is often a suitable substitute for vanilla wafer crusts.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan?
Carefully loosen the cheesecake from the rim of the springform pan immediately after baking while it is still warm.
What is the first step in making the batter?
The first step is to blend the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth using an electric mixer.
What type of milk is used for the caramel sauce?
The recipe specifies using canned evaporated milk.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed for this cheesecake.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe suggests using pure vanilla extract.
When do I add the pecans?
The pecans should be sprinkled evenly over the caramel layer before the cheesecake batter is poured on top.
Should the eggs be added all at once?
No, the eggs should be added one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
What should the consistency of the caramel mixture be?
The caramel and evaporated milk should be stirred frequently until the mixture is completely smooth.
How is the chocolate incorporated into the batter?
Gently blend the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Does this recipe include a nutritional breakdown?
No, the current data does not provide specific calorie, fat, or carbohydrate counts.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Cheesecake dessert.
How should the vanilla wafer crumbs be prepared?
The vanilla wafers should be crushed into fine crumbs before being mixed with melted margarine.
Is the cheesecake served warm or cold?
The cheesecake should be served chilled after it has had time to set in the refrigerator.
What makes this cheesecake a 'Turtle' delight?
The combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans mimics the classic flavors of a turtle candy.